What are you most thankful for?

Every time you appreciate something; every time you praise something; every time you feel good about something, you are telling the universe: “More of this, please!” You need never make another verbal statement of this intent and, if you are mostly in a state of appreciation, all good things will flow to you. — Esther Abraham-Hicks

Michelle Lao, customer service and sales specialist

Relationships — this is what I am profoundly thankful for. I value many forms of relationships, from family and friends to business partners and acquaintances.  Each encounter is a wonderful opportunity to create, build and nurture relationships.  Doing so takes time, and is deliberate. As I weave through the intricate and enthralling web of life each link, each connection, each relationship propels me to live life spherically in many directions, and brings me that much closer to harmony, peace and tranquility.

Chiqui Roa Puno, news anchor and senior sports correspondent, TV5

Definitely my health. Now more than ever the saying “health is wealth” rings true. I can say with certainty that no amount of money whether inherited, earned or ill-gotten can buy it.

Dr. Michael Young, saxophonist

I’m thankful most for health.  Being a musician, specifically a saxophonist, demands an incredible amount of power, endurance, dexterity, and physical health to put fourth the musical and emotional message towards my audience.  Being in good health is a state I don’t take for granted and it’s a state from which all good actions stem from.

Eisa Paredes Mercado, president, IPM Group of Companies

I’m most thankful for the gifts of having my family and friends who are brought into my life. I’m grateful too for the chance given to let me experience all that I’m experiencing in life and will be experiencing in time to come.  Also the  ability to make the choices when given new challenges in life  and  to take responsibility for all the decisions rendered is a gift I am also most grateful of.

Edi Tekeli, retailer

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had, the opportunities I have right now, and the opportunities that are just around the corner. I am also thankful for the  memories from my past, the memories I am making right now, and all the waiting to be done.

Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon, COO, Alcordo Advertising

I am grateful for the gift of life. It’s been seven years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 2A. Having been given a new lease on life makes me appreciate life more and the blessings that come with it: my family, my friends, my “sisters” or fellow breast cancer survivors, I Can Serve family, my Rotary Club of Cebu Fuente family, my STC High School batchmates ‘78, my work with Alcordo Advtg... and I am most grateful that I get to celebrate life by giving back and paying it forward, especially to the kids with cancer of Kythe Cebu, children with autism of Reach Center and to other breast cancer survivors, among others. I am inspired by these sayings : “We make a living by what we get ... and we make a life by what we give” and “It is not about the duration of one’s life, but the donation of one’s life that matters.” Celebrate life!

Apples Aberin, head of global PR, Pond’s

”Gratitude” is one of my favorite words. I always try to count the many blessings I have and that I am truly thankful for. Top of the list are my two wonderful children, Sam and Mart, who are God’s greatest gifts to me. They inspire me to be a stronger, more selfless and compassionate woman. In their own ways, they teach me valuable life lessons that I so need and cherish. I’m also very thankful for family and friends who’ve stood by me through the best and worst of times. They will forever have my love, respect and loyalty. Lastly, I feel very fortunate to be able to work in very diverse environments that I love equally. Through my work as head of global PR for Pond’s, I’m able to traverse the corporate environment while applying what I’ve learned as a fashion and beauty journalist. Through Project Runway Philippines, I am able to feed my passion for fashion while helping talented young designers grow and hone their craft.